Spring’s here, and it’s not just about doing the deep clean. It’s a perfect time to take a closer look at the habits you’ve picked up over the winter months, especially when it comes to your relationship with alcohol.

Whether you're fully sober, mindful about your drinking, or just looking to make more intentional choices, starting to “spring clean” your habits is all about checking in with yourself, noticing your patterns, and being open to small changes that fit your journey.

• Reflect: What’s Your Current Habit?
  Before you can make changes, it’s important to really see where you are. Take a moment to reflect: When do you usually reach for a drink? Is it out of habit, or is it linked to stress, social situations, or emotions like anxiety or boredom?
  
  Once you’ve identified those moments, you’ve got the power to decide what you want to do differently. Don’t worry about making drastic changes, just start by getting honest with yourself.
  
• 👉 Take the Alcohol Change UK Drinking Quiz to safely check where you're at. It’s a helpful way to start your spring cleaning journey by getting a clearer picture of your relationship with alcohol.
  
  
• Identify Your Triggers
  Triggers are those situations, feelings, or people that push you toward drinking. Maybe it’s the end of a long workday, a party, or feeling like you “deserve” a drink after a tough week. Recognising your triggers gives you the ability to put a pause on your automatic response and choose another way forward.
  
  When you’re mindful of your triggers, it’s easier to create space between the urge to drink and your reaction. That space can be as simple as reaching out on The Afters | Hangover Free Club Community Page, or taking yourself for a walk.
  
  
• Start Small with Mindful Changes
  Spring cleaning doesn’t mean making big changes all at once. It’s about finding what works for you and taking small steps that feel aligned with your journey. Reflect on how your weekends typically look, and think about how you might gently shift things in a way that fits your personal goals. The key is to make it personal to you and where you’re at right now.
  
  Little by little, those small changes will add up. It’s all about building new habits that feel good to you. And don’t stress if you slip up now and then. The goal here is progress, not perfection.
  
  
• Getting Your Mojo Back
  If you’ve been alcohol-free for a while and feel like you’ve lost the motivation or routine that spurred you on at the beginning, don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s completely normal to hit a bit of a lull, and the good news is, you can get that momentum back. 
  Revisit why you started this journey in the first place. Is there something new you want to try or a challenge that excites you? If you’ve fallen out of love with things that once motivated you, it’s okay to switch things up. For example, I loved the gym at the start of my journey, but now I’m all about fresh walks, and that’s perfectly fine. Both routines make me feel good! The goal is to take small, intentional steps to create routines that align with where you are now and support your ongoing journey.
  
  
• Create New, Intentional Routines
  Routines have a huge impact on the way we think and feel. Why not use the change of season as an opportunity to create a new routine that supports your mindful journey? Maybe that’s starting your day with a calming ritual, like journaling or stretching, or winding down in the evening with an audio book.
  
  Don't compare your routine with anyone else’s. Make it your own.
  
  
• Celebrate Your Wins
  As you make these changes, celebrate the small wins. Maybe you’ve gone a whole week without reaching for a drink in a certain situation, or you found a new way to deal with stress that doesn’t involve alcohol. Those are big steps. Acknowledge them, and feel good about the progress you’re making. 

Spring cleaning your habits is a process, not an overnight fix. It’s about paying attention to your patterns, giving yourself grace, and making the small, mindful changes that feel right for you. As you move through the season, remember: it’s not about being perfect, it’s about being intentional and finding joy in the journey, without the pressure.

So, what’s your first step in this spring’s habit refresh? Whatever it is, I’m cheering you on every step of the way.

Love Stef & Bertie ✌️